Central Coast & NSW Grants, New Facebook & Microsoft Features & More

9 July, 2021

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With how fast technology and digital marketing evolve, keeping up with business news has never been more important. In this week’s news:

  • The new Windows 11 features to help businesses. 
  • Google Chrome adds a new security feature.
  • Twitter is considering giving users a post restriction option.
  • Facebook is testing a new message thread tool.
  • Nine apps you need to delete if you have an Android device.
  • LinkedIn shares company page tips.
  • New rebates available for businesses plagued by the mouse plague in NSW.
  • Google confirms having too many internal links is a bad thing.
  • Microsoft Advertising expands dynamic remarketing into new industries.
  • Grant applications for Central Coast businesses close 31 July 2021.
  • TikTok tests a resumé tool.
  • Google adds a virtual RSVP option to calendar.
  • NSW Government announced lockdown support packages.
  • Microsoft Advertising launched multimedia ads in beta.
  • LinkedIn has banned 80+ automation tools.

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NSW Business Grants, New Facebook & Microsoft Ads Features & More Business News

Monday, 5 July 2021: New Windows 11 Features to Help Small Businesses 

Microsoft has announced further Windows 11 features designed to help business productivity. The features include:

  • Microsoft Teams integration improvements, including streamlined access.
  • Improved virtual desktop support with toggle between work and personal desktops.
  • Easier transition from monitor to laptop, allowing you to unplug from your monitor without losing open windows.

And more.

Monday, 5 July 2021: Google Chrome to Get ‘HTTPS Only Mode’ for More Secure Browsing 

Google Chrome is getting an ‘HTTPS only mode,’ allowing users to opt for more secure browsing options.

This feature will automatically upgrade any website with HTTP protocol to HTTPS protocol, where available. In instances where HTTPS is not available, users will be notified the website they are navigating to may not be secure via an onscreen notification.

The new browsing option is set to be rolled out with Chrome 93 or 94. For now, Google Chrome users can check the security of web pages manually by checking for a padlock symbol beside the webpage URL.

Monday, 5 July 2021: Twitter Considering Restricted-View Posting Options 

Twitter has shared upcoming features allowing users to tweet to restricted audiences.

If carried forward, new features would allow users to tweet to specific groups, such as friends or co-workers, increasing user privacy.

Further features announced include prompts asking users to reconsider language choices and the ability to tweet based on different contexts, such as work or interests.

There is no date set for the release of these features. Instead, Twitter has stated they are looking to gather feedback on the proposed features before they begin development.

Tuesday, 6 July 2021: Facebook Trials New Thread Tool 

Similar to Twitter, Facebook have started trialing a new thread tool, enabling users to share connected posts. Users can add to any message they have posted, as well as additional posts to create a thread.

According to leaked images, users will be able to access ‘Threads’ by clicking a ‘plus’ button. This will enable users to add another post to the original message.

Small businesses can utilise this tool to keep their social media pages organised and all topic related information together.

Tuesday, 6 July 2021: Nine Android Apps You Need to Delete Now for Your Security 

There have been nine Android Apps on the Google Play Store that have been identified by Malware Analysts to be hacking into users Facebook login details.

While the following apps are no longer available to download, it is important to check they are not still on your mobile phone’s deep in your settings:

  • PIP Photo
  • Processing Photo
  • Rubbish Cleaner
  • Inwell Fitness
  • Horoscope Daily
  • App Lock Keep
  • Lockit Master
  • Horoscope Pi
  • App Lock Manager

Tuesday, 6 July 2021: LinkedIn Introduces Company Page Tips 

LinkedIn have introduced Company Page, a new feature on their website providing detailed tips for businesses to organically grow their engagement.

The tips include:

  • Fill out the detail section on your LinkedIn profile entirely.
  • Create and publish original and valuable content.
  • Connect with brands who matter and align to your overall business mission.
  • Get to know your audience.
  • Encourage employees to be active on their own personal LinkedIn profiles.

Wednesday, 7 July 2021: Rebates Available for Small Businesses Affected by NSW Mice Plague 

The NSW Government are injecting $150 million into the Mouse Control Program for small businesses and households impacted by plagues of mice in regional New South Wales.

Households will be eligible for a rebate up to $500 and small businesses can claim up to $1000. The Mouse Control Program grants can be used to help protect premises and get a return on money spent on items such as mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials, that have been purchased after the 1st of February 2021.

It is important to note that you can only claim this rebate once, so businesses owners and individuals are urged to claim the maximum amount they have spent.

For more information or access to applications, please visit The Service NSW website.

Wednesday, 7 July 2021: Google Confirms Too Many Internal Links a Bad Thing 

Google’s Senior Webmaster Trends Analyst, John Mueller, has warned website owners against using too many internal links.

He indicated the main issue of too many internal links can be devaluing the links themselves, but also confuse Google’s crawlers with understanding the site’s structure.

Google advices using fewer internal links as it sends a clearer signal to show the significance of an internal link.

Wednesday, 7 July 2021: Microsoft Advertising Expands Dynamic Remarketing into New Industries 

Microsoft Advertising have announced they are developing software to expand dynamic remarketing to be available for new industries, including Automotive Listings, Entertainment Events and Travel Tours and Activities.

By using dynamic remarketing, small businesses and advertisers can target people who have recently visited their website or mobile application and show them ads. This can be achieved by matching the ID of the product viewed and accordingly create an ad pop-up using the same product ID.

Thursday, 8 July 2021: Central Coast Community Grant Applications Close 31 July 2021 

The Central Coast Council have issued a reminder for all residents to put through their applications for community grants before the closing date on 31 July 2021.

Small businesses, individuals and community organisations are eligible for the community grants to create and provide ground-breaking initiatives to improve the overall community.

The Central Coast community grants available include:

  • Central Coast Council Community Development Grant Program, 2021/22.
  • Central Coast Council Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program, 2021/22.
  • Central Coast Council Community Support Grant Program 2021/22.

Thursday, 8 July 2021: TikTok Tests Resume Tool 

TikTok are starting to test a new resume tool. This short-term pilot program allows people to apply for jobs with video resumes.

Businesses can apply to be part of the initiative, with big companies like Chipotle, Target and Shopify already jumping on board.

To apply for a job, users will need to create a video, post it to the platform and then send the link to the recruiters. TikTok have cautioned users to be mindful of the personal information they include on their videos.

Thursday, 8 July 2021: Google to Add Virtual RSVP Option on Calendar 

Google will be adding a virtual RSVP option for events in Google Calendars.

Users will be able to access this through a drop-down button that hosts and guests can choose their status.

With the influx of small businesses operating from home, this tool is very beneficial to hold online meetings and events with all employees.

Friday, 9 July 2021: NSW Government Announces Lockdown Support Packages 

With the Greater Sydney Lockdown extended until 16 July, the NSW Government has announced a $1.4 billion support lifeline for eligible impacted businesses.

Eligible businesses are expected to be able to apply for the Business Rescue Package Grants for between $5,000 to $10,000, as well as payroll tax deferral.

However, the packages have come under fire as to be eligible, businesses must have had an annual turnover of more than $75,000. It’s expected the packages will be expanded to included businesses and sole traders who have generated under the current eligibility criteria.

Please see the NSW Government website for more information.

Friday, 9 July 2021: Microsoft Advertising has Launched Multimedia Ads in Beta 

On the 7 July 2021, Microsoft Advertising launched multimedia ads into beta.

The image-rich visual ads will feature on the right rail or in the mainline at the top of Bing search result pages.

As the beta version of multimedia ads is rolling out globally, if you have an account, you can now trial out using your own images, headlines and ad copy with machine learning to display eye-catching ads.

Friday, 9 July 2021: LinkedIn Bans the Use of 80+ Automation Tools 

LinkedIn has banned 80+ automation tools, with users caught using them potentially receiving an account suspension.

In LinkedIn’s User Agreement, it does outline users are not meant to use automation tools, such as scheduling, lead generators etc. However, since Microsoft’s purchase of LinkedIn in 2016, they have started to penalise those who are caught using the tools.

It comes as a reminder to businesses to be careful when using third-party software connected to social platforms.

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